Farmers proactively adapt to climate change and protect the environment

On June 2, the Dak Lak Farmers’ Union organized a seminar titled “Dak Lak Farmers with Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation Actions.”

As part of this year’s Month of Action for the Environment, the event aimed to spread a message: “Climate change is having an increasingly visible impact on agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods. In this context, farmers are not only among those most affected but are also emerging as a leading force in environmental protection and climate adaptation.”

Change begins with awareness

According to Y Giang Gry Nie Knong, Deputy Secretary of the Dak Lak Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial Committee of Vietnam Fatherland Front, environmental protection and climate adaptation are shared responsibilities, with farmers serving as a core force in safeguarding rural environments.

Participants in the seminar came to an agreement that effective climate adaptation must begin with raising public awareness. When farmers fully understand the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods and living environment, they are more likely to proactively adjust production practices, change daily habits, and participate actively in environmental protection activities.

“In recent years, the association at all levels has intensified communication efforts through various channels, including local meetings, technical training sessions, social media, and grassroots broadcasting systems,” said Ya Toan Enuol, Chairman of the Dak Lak Farmers’ Union.

The campaigns focus on reducing the use of agricultural chemicals, properly collecting and treating waste, protecting water resources, planting trees, and creating green, clean, and beautiful rural landscapes.

Many practical initiatives have been implemented and widely embraced, including “Green Families,” “Clean Gardens - Beautiful Homes,” “Litter-Free Streets,” “Collection of Pesticide Packaging,” and “Waste-Free Fields.” Organic agriculture and waste sorting at source have gradually transformed awareness into concrete action among farmers.

A presentation by the Farmers’ Union of Hoa Thinh commune showed that after severe flooding at the end of 2025, local associations quickly mobilized members to conduct environmental cleanups, collect waste, dispose of dead animals, disinfect livestock facilities, and restore production activities.

These efforts not only helped prevent disease outbreaks but also contributed to stabilizing local livelihoods after the disaster.

Toward green agriculture

According to Nguyen Thai Hoa, Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province is gradually transitioning toward a green growth model that does not sacrifice the environment for economic development.

Various measures have already been implemented in the local agricultural scene, including the “Three Reductions, Three Gains” production approach, water-saving irrigation technologies, smart pest monitoring systems, and farming models adapted to extreme weather conditions.

Scientific studies presented at the seminar also demonstrated that many adaptation measures have delivered positive results.

Intercropping coffee with durian, avocado, or black pepper has been shown to increase farmers’ income by 1.3 to nearly 2 times compared to traditional farming models, help retain soil moisture, reduce pest pressure, and mitigate drought impacts. Soil conservation practices such as planting cover crops, constructing erosion-control basins, and applying organic fertilizers are well-suited to production conditions in the Central Highlands.

Pham Gia Viet, Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Department of Science and Technology, said, “Scientific and technological activities in the province have achieved important and comprehensive results in many fields, ranging from monitoring and forecasting to proposing practical adaptation solutions and sustainable production models.”

Science and technology have become a fundamental platform, providing both scientific evidence and practical tools to help the province effectively adapt to climate change, protect the environment, and move toward a green and sustainable agricultural sector.

The concept of a circular economy in agriculture also received considerable attention from delegates at the event. According to Nguyen Hoang Chuong, representative of Dong Din Cooperative, the circular economy is not merely a slogan but an essential pathway for cooperatives seeking to survive and thrive in the green era.

At Dong Din Cooperative, circular practices are applied in pineapple cultivation and processing. Pineapple peels and leftover fruit scraps are collected and mixed with biological products to create organic fertilizer. Pineapple pulp remaining after juice extraction serves as nutritious livestock feed, while harvested pineapple leaves are processed into fibers for the fashion industry.

Regarding marine resource protection, a presentation by researchers from Phu Yen University emphasized the importance of the province’s marine resources as they are invaluable assets but suffer from serious environmental degradation. To achieve sustainable development goals, coordinated efforts are required among government agencies, scientific and technological institutions, and local communities.